HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY

The graves of preservationist Robert Nudelman, and casting agent, Marvin Paige now marked at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

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Recently, within the last few weeks, the graves of two of Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes people have been marked.

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First, Robert Nudelman, a leading preservationist who helped spearhead Hollywood’s rebirth as he campaigned over three decades to save and restore such landmarks as the El Capitan Theatre and the Cinerama Dome, now has a marker after six years. He was 52 years old when he died in 2008.

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“There probably isn’t a single historic building or development project in Hollywood that Mr. Nudelman didn’t have a part in,” Fran Offenhauser, vice president of Hollywood Heritage said at the time. He was “the conscience of Hollywood,” Offenhauser added. “He really made the village happen in Hollywood, and it’s going to take a village to fill the gap he left. . . . He was really the lightning rod who woke up an area.”

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Marvin Paige, who cast movies including Star Trek: The Motion Picture, two Woody Allen films and shows including General Hospital, worked as a celebrity handler and owned an extensive Hollywood archive, died of injuries sustained in a car crash in Laurel Canyon in October 2013. He was in his 80s.

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Paige spent several decades as a casting director, then reinvented himself in later years as a keeper of Hollywood history who could always find the right person to appear at a tribute or showbiz celebration, such as the annual Cinecon events. “He was essential in targeting the right celebrities for the right event,” said publicist Edward Lozzi.

OBITUARY

(Sunshine Magazine)

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By Pat Saperstein

Variety

November 13, 2013

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Marvin Paige, who cast movies including “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” two Woody Allen films and shows including “General Hospital,” worked as a celebrity handler and owned an extensive Hollywood archive, died Wednesday in Los Angeles of injuries sustained in a car crash in Laurel Canyon last month. He was in his 80s.

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For his work on nearly 100 episodes of “General Hospital,” he received two Artios nominations from the Casting Society of America. He cast thesps such as Demi Moore and Tia Carrere in the soap.

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Paige spent several decades as a casting director, then reinvented himself in later years as a keeper of Hollywood history who could always find the right person to appear at a tribute or showbiz celebration, such as a recent Cinecon event for Shirley Jones and Pat Boone. “He was essential in targeting the right celebrities for the right event,” said publicist Edward Lozzi, who confirmed his death.

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Lozzi said that Paige helped book classic showbiz figures for numerous organizations including AMPAS, AFI, the American Cinematheque and the Night of 100 Stars Oscar party.

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Among the other shows he cast were the “Planet of the Apes” TV series, “Lassie” and “Combat!”

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In film, he worked with Woody Allen on “Take the Money and Run” and “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex.” Though he was uncredited, he got his start in the casting department for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

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He also worked on numerous TV movies such as “Terror on the Beach” and “Mayday at 40,000 Feet!”

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Paige’s Motion Picture and Television Research Archive was used by shows such as “American Masters,” “Backstory” and “Biography.”

HOLLYWOOD EVENTS

The Eighty-Sixth Annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial Service

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Friday, August 23, 2013

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood, California

Cathedral Mausoleum

12:10PM

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This year’s Valentino Memorial Service will include new videos acknowledging the 100th anniversary of Rudolph Valentino’s arrival in America will be shown. There will also be a tribute video saluting his cinematic career.

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In addition, a video saluting Valentino’s friend and costar, Mae Murray with be presented and the guest speaker will be Michael G. Ankerich, the author of the new biography “Mae Murray: The Girl with the Bee-Stung Lips.” Also speaking will be Christopher Riordan who will update the audience about Falcon Lair. Riordan lived in the guest home on the estate, as the property overseer.

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This year the Memorial is themed to salute the 90th anniversary of the Mineralava Tour. There will be a special display of Mineralava artifacts including two of the trophies that Rudolph Valentino presented (one to a dancing couple, the other for the beauty contest). The trophies will be made available at the conclusion of the service for people to get their photo holding them. Live singing of Valentino music will be presented by the Evans & Rogers musical team.

FESTIVALS

By Allan R. Ellenberger

Cinecon 48 is history! The annual festival began last Thursday and ended yesterday and over the course of five days screened 43 classic films, shorts and documentaries at the legendary Egyptian Theater. Among the films shown were such rare gems as 15 Maiden Lane (1936) starring Claire Trevor and Caesar Romero and directed by Allan Dwan; the silent, Wild Bill Hickcok (1923) played by Cinecon favorite, William S. Hart; the crowd pleasing bio-pic, Diamond Jim (1935), the story of James Buchanan Brady, fondly known as “Diamond Jim,” starring Edward Arnold in the title role and Jean Arthur in a supporting role.

Other highlights included The Goose Woman (1925), The Bedroom Window (1924), and the Kate Smith film, Hello, Everybody! (1933). Some of my favorites include Diamond Jim, Upstream (1927), the once-lost John Ford film about vaudevillians starring Raymond Hitchcock and Grant Withers, the Cecil B. DeMille scenario, The Circus Man (1914), She Wanted a Millionaire (1932) with Joan Bennett and Spencer Tracy and the documentary about the Silent Movie Theatre, Palace of Silents.

Some of the special guests who appreared this year and talked about their filmes were Marsha Hunt, Phyllis Coates, Richard L. Bare, Samantha Eggar and Carleton Carpenter.

Phyllis Coates,Richard L. Bare and Carleton Carpenter were honored at this years Cinecon banquet with the Career Acheivement award. Carpenter was presented with his award by his Two Weeks With Love (1950) costar, Debbie Reynolds. The couple sang their hit song from the film, Aba Daba Honeymoon to a very appreciative audience. Jack Larson, best-known as Jimmy Olsen on TV’s Superman, presented his former costar, Phyllis Coates with her award. Coates played Lois Lane on the series first season. Director Richard L. Bare, who directed such classic television shows as Green Acres, Petticoat Junction and several episodes of the Twilight Zone was given his award by Linda Henning who played Betty Jo on Petticoat Junction.

There was a great selection of films shown at this year’s Cinecon and the banquet was one of the most entertaining in recent years. Many thanks to the Cinecon officers and committee: Robert S. Birchard, Jim Harwood, Marvin Paige, Stan Taffel, Sharon Arndt, Bryan Cooper, Stella Grace, Sue Guldin, Danny Schwartz and Maureen Solomon.

Cinecon honorees, Richard L. Bare and Phyllis Coates. Bare and Coates were once husband and wife for less than ten months (1948-1949). At one point Bare asked her about their marriage and she held her thumb and index finger about an inch apart and said, “It lasted this long… but it was interesting.”

Members of the audience enjoy two videos; one a tribute to past participants of the Valentino Memorial and another celebrating the centennial of Universal Studios where Valentino made four films early in his career. A scene from “A Society Sensation (1918) was shown. (Video editing by Frank Labrador Productions)

RUDOLPH VALENTINO

Today’s 83rd Annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial

By Allan R. Ellenberger

Once again, this year’s highly attended, 83rd Annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial Service was a complete success. Held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, in the foyer of the Cathedral Mausoleum, today’s service had something for everyone. The life and career of Rudolph Valentino was lovingly remembered in word and song.

It was a warm August day, not at all like most of this summer which has been unseasonably cool. Summer is back! Hollywood Forever Cemetery owner, Tyler Cassity welcomed the audience this year before turning the service over to Tracy Ryan Terhune, the emcee for the day.

Yours truly provided a history of the “Aspiration” statue that stands in De Longpre Park that this year is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Following that, a short video that documented the early history of “Aspiration” was shown. Next the audience was treated to a recitation of three poems from Valentino’s book, Daydreams by Allison Francis, the mother of the 2030 Lady in Black.

The crowd was serenaded to two songs by Frank Labrador: “Candlelight” and “The Angels Above Needed Someone To Love” – the lyrics were reportedly written by Valentino for future Lady in Black, Ditra Flame, who wrote the music. Frank was accompanied on the piano by Garrett Bryant.

The current Lady in Black, Kari Bible, treated everyone to a history of Ditra Flame, the original Lady in Black. Following was a short clip from Art Linkletter’s House Party from the 1950s of Ditra being interviewed about her devotion to Valentino. It was the first public showing of this clip in more than 50 years.

Tracy then read excerpts from an unpublished manuscript by Paul Ivano who was a close friend of Valentino. Special guest, Donna Hill, the author of the just published Rudolph Valentino: The Silent Idol spoke about her book and showed a video of rare Valentino photos from her book.

Perennial favorites, Ian and Regina Whitcomb once again entertained the crowd with the songs, “There’s a New Star in Heaven Tonight” and “Sheik of Araby.” Valentino Memorial Committeeicon, Stella Grace led the audience in a reading of the 23rd Psalm to end the service.

Once again, many thanks to this year’s committee members: Channell O’Farrill, Tracy Ryan Terhune, Stella Grace and Marvin Paige. And thank you to everyone behind the scenes — you all did a great job as usual.

FESTIVALS

Cinecon 45

Another Cinecon has passed into the California sunset

By Allan R. Ellenberger

Cinecon 45 was presented by the Society of Cinephiles this past Labor Day weekend screening nearly 50 rare silent films and early sound feature films as well as many short subjects at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. The organization is dedicated to showcasing unusual films that are rarely given public screenings.

The celebrity honorees who attended along with the showing of one of their films included: Denise Darcel, Flame of Calcutta (1953); Adrian Booth (aka Lorna Gray), The Last Bandit (1949) and Stella Stevens, The Silencers (1966) who were honored at Sundays banquet with the Cinecon Career Achievement Award along with composer, Richard M. Sherman, who created the music for the films Mary Poppins (1964), The Jungle Book (1967), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) and many more.

Highlights of the weekend included the North American premiere of The Dawn of Tomorrow (1915), a Mary Pickford film thought to be lost when a tinted nitrate print with Swedish titles turned up in the Archival Film Collections of the Swedish Film Institute. Pickford’s costars were David Powell, Forrest Robinson and Robert Cain. The film was dedicated to Robert Cushman, photo archivist of the Margaret Herrick Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who recently passed away.

Turn to the Right (1922), a Rex Ingram film, was recently restored by the George Eastman House. Made following two of the director’s epics, Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921) and The Conquering Power (1921), it starred Ingram’s wife, Alice Terry and Jack Mulhall. It was during the making of Turn to the Right that Ingram made one of his greatest discoveries when he cast Ramon Samaniego, later to be known as Ramon Novarro, in his next film, The Prisoner of Zenda (1922)

Author Robert Dix, son of actor Richard Dix, signed his autobiography, Out of Hollywood. With Dix are Sue Guldin and his wife Mary Ellen

VALENTINO

The 82nd Annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial Service

By Allan R. Ellenberger

Today the fans of Rudolph Valentino arrived in the heat and humidity to Hollywood Forever Cemetery for the actors 82nd annual memorial service. The Memorial Committee once again surpassed their previous efforts in providing a dignified and entertaining celebration of the life of silent film actor, Rudolph Valentino.

Valentino author and emcee, Tracy Ryan Terhune gave the opening remarks and introduced each of today’s speakers. The first speaker for the day, Jeanine Villalobos, the great-granddaughter of Rudy’s brother, Alberto, was delayed by that-infamous Los Angeles traffic, but the show must go on so a Valentino video based on the upcoming photo book by Valentino authority, Donna Hill, was premiered.

Actor Garrett Brant gave a reading of three selected poems from Valentino’s book of poetry, Daydreams.

The late Bob Mitchell in a photo from last years service.

There was a moving tribute to organist Bob Mitchell as a recording of Mitchell’s organ music played. Mitchell, who played the organ at many former Valentino services, passed away on July 4th and is also interred at Hollywood Forever.

Tracy Terhune presents an award for the late Bob Mitchell to his partner and friend, Vince Morton (above), who also perfomed the music for today’s service.

Jeanine Villalobos (above), the great-granddaughter of Alberto Guglielmi Valentino, spoke about her uncle’s funeral and read from archival letters of Alberto to his wife Ada. Ms Villalobos also commended the memorial committee for conducting the services, both past and present, with respect and decorum.

Craig MacPherson (above) shared his thoughts on the influence of Natacha Rambova in the life of Valentino. The 2009 Valentino Memorial Video showing the relationship of Valentino and Rambova was premiered to the song, “If I Love Again.”

Christopher Riordan (above), manager of Falcon Lair, shared his memories and the current and future of Valentino’s former home. Singer Ian Whitcomb entertained the audience with the songs, “My Buddy” and the perennial, “The Sheik Of Araby.” Valentino Memorial Committee member, Stella Grace, then led the audience in repeating the 23rd Psalm.

Valentino authorities and memorial committee members, Stella Grace and Tracy Ryan Terhune (above). Stella, Tracy and the rest of the committee worked hard to produce a service that was respectful and entertaining. They should be congratulated. We look forward to next year.

IN MEMORY OF

Tyrone Power

By Allan R. Ellenberger

Today was the 50th anniversary of the death of matinee idol, Tyrone Power. To mark the occasion, a memorial service was held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery where the actor is interred. The service was held in the Chapel of the Psalms where Power’s funeral was held fifty years ago.

Those in attendance included Maria Ciaccia, author and film historian; Henry Colman, producer and friend who served with Power in the war; actress Terry Moore, his co-star in King of the Khyber Rifles (1953); Coleen Gray, his co-star in Nightmare Alley (1947); Mike Steckler, Power’s stand-in; Colin Watling, British recording artist, and the singing group, The Celtic Heart. Each one shared memories and anecdotes about Tyrone Power with the audience.

Copy of my autographed Tyrone Power memorial service program

Also participating were Power’s children, Romina and Taryn, the daughters he had with actress, Linda Christian, and Tyrone Power, Jr., whose mother was Debbie Ann Minardos, the actor’s last wife.

Tyrone Jr. was the emcee and shared stories, including one about being taught how to ride a bicycle at Hollywood Cemetery by his father’s stand-in, Mike Steckler. He also recalled that he recently appeared in a friend’s film and one of the scenes was shot at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. When he later saw the rushes, he noticed that in one shot he could see his father’s grave over his shoulder. He noted that, “This man is dead and he’s able to make it into my scene.”

Taryn recalled how she and her family recently survived a fire at her home in Wisconsin. The intensity of the flames blew many pieces of her father’s memorabilia through the roof and onto the snow covered lawn. Many pieces survived and one item in particular was an article about In Old Chicago (1937) showing a man fleeing the flames of the great Chicago fire.

Power’s eldest child, Romina, was seven years old when her father died and was attending school in Mexico. She read a letter from him sent from the set of Solomon and Sheba (1959), the film he was working on at the time of his death. In it her spoke of his love and affection and that he was sorry to be away, but promised to spend the following summer with her. Sadly, she didn’t receive the letter until after his death and never had the chance to respond, so she wrote a reply and read it to the audience. This was also the first time that she attended one of her father’s memorials.

Afterward, everyone walked to the gravesite where the Celtic Heart once again shared their music and Reverend Gary Dickey gave the closing prayer.

Chapel of the Psalms where Tyrone Power’s funeral was held 50 years ago

Tyrone Power’s gravesite prior to the service

Flower tribute

Tyrone Power, Jr.

Tyrone, Jr. and Romina Power. Terry Moore and Coleen Gray are behind them

Taryn Power, Mrs. Tyrone Power Jr, Tyrone Power Jr, and Romina Power

The family of Tyrone Power. Taryn, Tyrone Jr. and Romina are in the center

The 81st Annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial Service was held today in the foyer of the Cathedral Mausoleum at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The Valentino Memorial Committee put together an exceptional service this year and should be congratulated. The committee members include: Chanell O’Farrill, Jay Boileau, Tracy Ryan Terhune, Stella Grace and Marvin Paige.

This year’s special guest speaker was actor Tim Considine, the son of John W. Considine, Jr., producer of the Valentino films, The Eagle (1925) and Son of the Sheik (1926). Considine spoke of his father and was surprised by a brief pictorial video of Considine and his relationship with Valentino as producer and friend.

Other participants in today’s program included 95 year-old Valentino perennial, organist Bob Mitchell, Vince Morton and Ian and Regina Whitcomb who handled the musical portion. Garrett Bryant read selections from Valentino’s book of poems, Daybreak and Woolsey Ackerman spoke about and displayed a rare Valentino doll which depicted the actor from The Eagle.